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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
This was such a captivating novel a little overwritten in my opinion but still amazing. The beginning does have a slow start and drags to the point you want to put it down. However, there are parts where it picks up and it keeps you engaged momentarily then drags a bit more it’s hard to explain.
But the novel follows quite a few characters two brothers Prentiss and Landry, George Walker, his wife Isabelle, and a few others in and out. After the end of the Civil War the small town of Old Ox must follow suit with the emancipation proclamation. The two brothers Prentiss and Landry now freedmen leave their plantation life behind to seek refuge in the woods. Enjoying their new found freedom they run into George Walker who owns a farm and asks the brothers for assistance in return for pay. One day while taking his daily walk Landry stumbles upon Mr.Walkers son Caleb doing the unimaginable. What he witnessed eventually resulted in his wrongful death.
The author did well giving you a vivid depiction of what‘s happening and the scenery. The character development was great a few were memorable because of their strong presence throughout the novel. There was authenticity to each of them and also a lot of vulnerability shown between the characters which I enjoyed. Prentiss and Landry really gave off the “My Brothers Keeper” vibe and I loved that. It hurt my feelings when Prentiss lost his brother. Now that subplot involving the forbidden romance between the two Confederate soldiers was interesting and well-placed. I knew it was going to happen but didn’t expect it to unfold the way it had.
I’m still new to reading historical fiction but I can say there wasn’t anything 100% exciting about this book. A few juicy moments but the slow pacing makes it kind of boring. So many words with so little being said at times.
Overall, I think the book was pretty decent not a total fav but I didn’t hate it. If you’re into historical fiction you might enjoy this but if you’re just getting into the genre this wouldn’t be my first go to.
Rating: 3.5/5
But the novel follows quite a few characters two brothers Prentiss and Landry, George Walker, his wife Isabelle, and a few others in and out. After the end of the Civil War the small town of Old Ox must follow suit with the emancipation proclamation. The two brothers Prentiss and Landry now freedmen leave their plantation life behind to seek refuge in the woods. Enjoying their new found freedom they run into George Walker who owns a farm and asks the brothers for assistance in return for pay. One day while taking his daily walk Landry stumbles upon Mr.Walkers son Caleb doing the unimaginable. What he witnessed eventually resulted in his wrongful death.
The author did well giving you a vivid depiction of what‘s happening and the scenery. The character development was great a few were memorable because of their strong presence throughout the novel. There was authenticity to each of them and also a lot of vulnerability shown between the characters which I enjoyed. Prentiss and Landry really gave off the “My Brothers Keeper” vibe and I loved that. It hurt my feelings when Prentiss lost his brother. Now that subplot involving the forbidden romance between the two Confederate soldiers was interesting and well-placed. I knew it was going to happen but didn’t expect it to unfold the way it had.
I’m still new to reading historical fiction but I can say there wasn’t anything 100% exciting about this book. A few juicy moments but the slow pacing makes it kind of boring. So many words with so little being said at times.
Overall, I think the book was pretty decent not a total fav but I didn’t hate it. If you’re into historical fiction you might enjoy this but if you’re just getting into the genre this wouldn’t be my first go to.
Rating: 3.5/5
I enjoyed the way the author depicted the period of time right after slavery. It’s historical fiction woven into a story that makes the author so talented.
This was a book club pick for me, and not my usual genre of reading, so it wasn’t my favorite but I did still enjoy it. The Sweetness of Water takes place in a small southern town, right when the Civil War is ending and slaves are emancipated. The story follows two freed brothers and a family whose son served in the war. Death, vengeance, greed, and acceptance are common themes throughout, and all these did keep me hooked on the narrative, wondering how their stories would intertwine, and what fate would bestow each character. It didn’t have the happiest ending, but it is a historically accurate depiction of the era.
Wow. This is beautifully written. The reader is plunked down in the middle of the Reconstruction Era…. With quirky George who befriends 2 brothers who are freed slaves. The complications of life brew in each of these distinct characters. It is sparse and yet lush in its descriptions of the culture and people in the little town of Old Ox. Highly recommend this.
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I thought this book was just okay. I never felt any real connection to the characters or story. I thought the writing and dialogue was a little unbelievable or unrealistic in some places.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Told at the end of the US Civil War...
A story of a family living in the south during the end of the civil war and just after. I liked a lot of the main characters, parts were heartbreaking.
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars. It wasn’t quite what I expected. I was hoping for more of the newly freed slaves, Prentiss and Landry’s, perspectives. The LGBT+ storyline also felt like a throwaway after the climax of the book. While I could also appreciate the Walkers, the book seemed to focus too much on them, and they weren’t the big draw for me.